Would you believe there’s a temple in Pune that holds a Guinness World Record for having 5,000 characters carved on a single grain of rice? That is the 8th-century Pataleshwar Cave Temple. Carved entirely from one basalt rock, it is not only a religious site but an exceptional architectural marvel hiding in the heart of Pune.
For more hidden stories behind Pataleshwar Temple, this TripzyGo guide will help. You will find everything from its stunning rock-cut structure and Nandi Mandapa to its visiting time (8 am to 5 pm), ideal visiting season, and cultural and historical significance.
Later on, you will also find some nearby historic places to make your Pune visit more memorable!
Ever wonder what an 8th-century underground temple looks like? Let TripzyGo take you through this historic Pataleshwar Cave in Pune. A religious person might not visit this cave, as it is a temple of the underworld God, but an admirer of Indian history and architectural beauty must witness it.
The Pataleshwar Temple’s heart is its unique Nandi Mandapa, a circular canopy that will catch your eye when you enter. 16 perfectly carved pillars support a magnificent rotunda roof; sadly, 4 on the eastern side have not survived.
Below sits the faithful Nandi Maharaj, forever gazing at the main shrine, surrounded by a 2-foot-deep cistern that was once used for ceremonial washing.
Here are some key features that make this Pataleshwar Cave special:
As you enter the covered Mandapa, you will be welcomed by two stone tigers carved right from the rock. And do not miss the small Nandi between the third and fourth row of pillars; it beautifully reminds the Shaivite (worshiper of supreme energy Lord Shiva) of the origin of Pataleashwar Mandir.
What makes Pataleshwar Cave Temple truly unique is its incomplete state. There are no proper entrances, which adds mystery to its ancient halls. It also houses that incredible Guinness Record holder: a grain of rice with 5,000 characters inscribed on it.
Pataleshwar Cave Temple on Jangali Maharaj Road in Shivajinagar or Pune welcomes you throughout the year. But in summertime, you can avoid it as the temperature can soar up to 40°C. Instead, you can plan your visit to Pataleshwar Caves during the cooler months between October and March.
Location | Jangali Maharaj Road, Revenue Colony, Shivajinagar, Pune, Maharashtra |
Opening hours | 8 am to 5:30 pm |
Entry fees | Free |
Time required | 1-2 hours |
The best time to visit Pataleshwar Cave | October to March |
The Pataleshwar Cave Temple in Pune is not just an architectural marvel but also a vibrant center of spiritual and cultural significance. It is mainly dedicated to Lord Shiva. Carved from a single rock in the 8th century, the Pataleshwar Caves in Pune is a place for devotees who come to pay homage to Shiva Linga.
Here are some major festivals and rituals conducted by devotees:
The Pataleshwar Cave Temple allows devotees to connect spiritually with Lord Shiva, and the presence of Parvati and Ganesha completes the spiritual journey.
The story of Pataleshwar Cave Temple in Pune is as fascinating as the myths surrounding it! Back in the 8th century, during the mighty Rashtrakuta Dynasty, this remarkable cave temple is possibly the oldest surviving structure in Pune.
One of the stories associated with Pataleshwar Temple is its connection to the Pandavas, the legends of the Mahabharata. According to folk stories, during their exile, the Pandavas took shelter in this temple. This tale adds more interest to Pataleshwar caves and suggests that it is not just a place but a sacred place.
However, historical accounts point to the Rashtrakutas as its actual builders. Originally, the Pataleswar caves in Pune included three rock-cut cave sanctums believed to be dedicated to the trinity of Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu, though today, they house Parvati, Shiva, and Ganesha.
Time has not been entirely kind to these Pataleswar caves, and they faced some of these challenges:
However, Pataleshwar Cave Temple is recognized for its historical and cultural significance, and the Archaeological Survey of India protected the temple.
Reaching the Pataleshwar Cave Temple is pretty straightforward; located in the heart of Pune, this spiritual cave is easily accessible by various modes of transport. Look at these some of the best ways you can choose to be rich in Pataleshwar Mandir:
Pune International Airport is connected to the major airports across India. After landing in Pune, you can book a taxi or auto that will take you to Pataleswar caves in a maximum of 30-40 minutes; during the tourist season, you can book your airport taxi in advance.
From Pune Railway Station, the Pataleshwar Cave Temple is only 4-5 km away. You can take a 15-minute auto rickshaw ride or catch a local bus heading to Shivajinagar. You can also book a cab to save your time.
The Pataleshwar Temple opens from 8 am to 5:30 pm daily, so you should plan accordingly! If you are planning to spend some time in Pune, you can also explore the beautiful option of Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary to experience nature.
The Pataleshwar Cave Temple is perfectly situated near some of Pune’s major attractions, making it an ideal starting point for your city adventure. Trust me! You will want to explore these nearby gems that reflect Pune’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant modern life:
All these places are easily reachable by rickshaw or cab, and you can comfortably cover 2 to 3 spots in a single day. Find a travel companion like TripzyGo, which offers a travel package under 15000, and make your journey smooth.
You can explore all these hidden gems with TripzyGo and add one more day to your trip to Mount Mary Church. It will give you a well-rounded experience during your trip.
Visiting Pataleshwar Cave Temple is like Stepping back into Pune’s ancient history, where every craving and shrine tells a story of devotion, architectural mastery, and mythologies. From a world record grain of rice inscribed with 5,000 characters to rock-cut sanctums, this 8th-century marvel is open every day from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Whether you want to dive into spirituality or are a history lover with curiosity, Pataleshwar Cave Temple offers an unforgettable experience. On this journey, let TripzyGo plan everything for you that captures the soul of Indian history and spirituality.
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